Meet the Kids of New Nepal Society Center
This summer, I had the privilege of spending time at the New Nepal Society Center, a children's home in the heart of Kathmandu City, where thirty needy and orphaned kids live and study together. Initially, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about meeting them. Questions like "Will they like me?" and "Will we get along?" kept swirling in my mind during the early morning taxi ride to the center.
However, the moment I arrived, all my worries vanished. Each child greeted me with genuine smiles and boundless excitement, making me feel immediately at ease. Their eyes gleamed with joy as they looked at me, and in that magical instant, I knew something extraordinary was about to unfold.
Throughout my stay, I had the privilege of getting to know each of the children individually. From them, I learned invaluable life lessons and gained a profound understanding of empathy and compassion. Witnessing their resilience and strength in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.
The experience taught me the importance of embracing new opportunities, stepping out of my comfort zone, and giving back to the community. The connections I formed with these incredible kids left an indelible mark on my heart, and I will forever cherish the memories of our time together.
Every day spent with the children at the New Nepal Society Center was a fleeting delight. Whether we danced, played, talked, or simply enjoyed each other's company in silence, they filled me with internal happiness. Their innocence was truly astounding, and I couldn't help but smile as they got shy when showcasing their exceptional talents and hobbies. Each child, aged 5 to 16, seemed to possess more than one remarkable skill - from playing the piano and the guitar to displaying their awe-inspiring artworks.
Every new talent they shared left me in awe, but it also sparked a sense of self-doubt. Comparing myself to their abilities, I couldn't help but feel a pang of shame for taking my own opportunities for granted. My initial purpose at NNSS was to inspire and support these children, yet it was I who found inspiration in their dreams, contentment with life, appreciation for the little things, and pure enjoyment of every moment.
Living alongside them, I learned the art of embracing life to the fullest, free from worries, animosity, regrets, or envy. Their resilience and gratitude touched my heart deeply. These young souls, once strangers, had become so much more than that - they had become my family. Our connection surpassed mere daily interaction, and their presence brought me a sense of belonging and love.
In the embrace of these extraordinary kids, my life has been forever transformed. They bestowed upon me invaluable lessons in humility, gratitude, and the beauty of cherishing every precious moment. Their simple yet profound outlook on life will forever stay with me as a guiding light. My summer at NNSS was a gift of joy and growth, and the memories of our time together will forever hold a cherished place in my heart.
Allow me to introduce you to Sushila, a truly remarkable young girl I had the pleasure of meeting during my time at the New Nepal Society Center. Not only is she exceptionally bright in her studies, but she also possesses a wealth of wisdom and gifts that make her truly unique. Initially, Sushila was shy, often found studying or sitting quietly in the corner. However, her keen observation skills did not escape my notice.
I was amazed by how she paid attention to the smallest details. She could effortlessly tackle her math homework while remembering little things I had shared about myself from a week ago. It was heartwarming to see that she genuinely cared about others. For instance, she noticed my anxiousness on the first day and pointed it out because she saw me fiddling with my necklace. She even remembered my preference for jewelry and questioned why I was wearing silver when I had mentioned disliking it before. She remembered everything about me, while I was the one who kept forgetting her name.
Our bond grew stronger as we spent more time together. One day, when a friend from France named Alex was showing off her henna designs she revealed that Sushila was her exceptional artist. I asked her to doodle on my hand too, and as she made my hands look pretty, we had a heartfelt conversation about her village in Karnali. She spoke passionately about the greenery, the singing sparrows in the mornings, her farm, and the delightful spring weather. Her love for her hometown was evident, and I couldn't help but feel both curious about her village life and a little saddened.
I asked her if she missed home, to which she responded in a way that left me astonished. Sushila said, "This is my home. Even though there's little greenery in Kathmandu, I have my family here, something that I barely have in Karnali." Her innocent words touched my heart deeply. She had embraced her new home with love, considering every child at NNSS as her sibling. Working with this community made me realize the strength of their bond and how much they genuinely cared for one another. The children at NNSS took immense pride in each other's achievements, celebrating their friends' talents or academic successes with joy and admiration.
Despite coming from different parts of Nepal, these kids formed beautiful friendships that were stronger than anything I had imagined. They were inseparable and being a part of their lives gave me a true essence of community. Sushila and her friends in NNSS taught me the power of genuine connections and the beauty of finding family in unexpected places. These very kids have inspired me to chase my own dreams, of becoming a family lawyer, and helping young kids and families get the justice and life they deserve.